North on Franklin, right on Desmond

From the Visitor Center, drive north on Franklin Boulevard.

You will pass the Boardwalk trail on your left. This trail offers views of wetland habitat. Visible in and around the tule-filled marshes are common bird species such as Pintail, Mallard, American coot, Cinnamon teal, Great Blue heron, Great egret, Red-winged blackbird, Back-Necked Stilt, and many others. During the winter, thousands of water birds can be seen using these seasonal wetlands. Some stay all winter while others stop to rest and feed before making their way further down thePacific Flyway. This area is a favorite feeding ground for many raptor species, especially the Northern harrier, which glides low over the marsh in search of prey.

Turn right onto Desmond Road and drive over the railroad tracks. The seasonal wetlands on the left are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.They are managed exclusively for water habitat and feed. The gate on the right leads to"The Barn," the Preserve's staging area for habitat restoration activities. In general, this area is closed to public access. Though natural flooding of thewetlands occur, Preserve Staffmanage the wetlands to allow forenough habitat to support birdsmigrating along the Pacific Flyway.With care, the wetlands are graduallyflooded during the fall and wintermonths and then slowly drained inthe spring, mimicking the naturalflooding process.